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Banning Gaming, Why?

Rep. Steve Sandstrom is cutting his teeth with a bill that would ban gaming in Utah’s bars. “But wait,” you say, “I thought gambling was already illegal.” It is, this bill isn’t about gambling, but the games that people traditionally wager on.

HB 104, “Alcoholic Beverage Licensees and Gambling-like Activities,” would prohibit simulated gaming activities at businesses that serve alcohol. So video poker’s out, so’s a poker game between friends around a table, even if no betting takes place.

I’m trying to figure out why the State should be in the business of stopping adults from playing one kind of game and not another. How is anyone harmed when gambling isn’t involved?

The House Business and Labor Committee decided to hold the bill and with good reason as far as I can see.

Posted by windley on January 25, 2007 07:55 PM

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Comments

Sounds like a Hannity level conservative that feels he will get some sort of brownie points protecting citizens from avoiding the appearance of evil. Perhaps one day he can outlaw any game that uses face cards.

Given that one of the most popular charity events is fake gambling in a fake casino setup, you would think this is going to be a non-starter among the local cognoscenti. Perhaps he will see who pays his bills and come to his senses.

Posted by: RSchiffman at January 25, 2007 08:24 PM

Sandstrom wants to appear more conservative to the northern Utah County base I imagine, so he is pushing this.

Posted by: teacher at January 26, 2007 03:00 PM

Come on, Phil! Isn't it obvious?! If there are secular, permissive facecards in such a sacred bastien as the local watering hole, then the terrorists, win!

It seems to me you have forgotten the lessons of 9/11.

Posted by: Tom Grover at January 26, 2007 03:55 PM

Is religion considered gambling? Everyone seems to be betting that they belong to the right religion. It seems like quite a gamble with the diversity of different religions in the world. The odds of being a chosen few are astronomical. If they want to ban gambling maybe they should start with religion. So many people aren't playing with a full deck.

Posted by: ATXD at February 10, 2007 01:06 AM

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